Once a date has been confirmed with a Vocational Evangelist, the pastor and evangelist should agree to begin praying for the event. The pastor should also lead the church in a concerted effort of prayer for the upcoming event. Many churches have successfully used home/cottage prayer meetings, special prayer services or daily-designated prayer times. Prayer may be the most important element in preparation for an event with a Vocational Evangelist.

The church leader should clearly communicate to the church the calling and ministry of the Vocational Evangelist. This includes the fact that the Vocational Evangelist does not receive a guaranteed salary each week. Instead, the evangelist is dependent upon financial gifts, love offerings and honorariums. The church should take into consideration the financial needs of a Vocational Evangelist. This includes reimbursement for the expenses incurred in traveling to and from the church and in providing for the expenses incurred while at the church. A nightly love offering plus an honorarium from the church may ensure that the church’s financial responsibility to the evangelist is met. Remember that when you give to an evangelist you are providing the basic financial needs for the evangelist and the evangelist’s family as well as making an investment in the evangelist’s ministry.

Travel arrangements, expense reimbursements and the taking of love offerings should be discussed with the evangelist as soon as possible after an event is scheduled and confirmed. This allows the Vocational Evangelist to maintain a budget and also ensure that there is no miscommunication. Thank you for your heart for the lost and your desire to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!